Simplified Rules for Using Fire Hydrant Water

Every withdrawal of water from a fire hydrant must be permitted, metered and paid for. There are no exceptions; everyone pays their water bill, including City Hall, City departments, City contractors, City subs, and utility contractors installing water lines.

There are two ways to legally withdraw metered water from a fire hydrant:

Meter installed on a hydrant

Meter installed on customer’s equipment

No one but the City can touch a fire hydrant water meter. No one is permitted to set, move or even possess a meter.

For meters installed on a hydrant:

You choose the hydrant

You call Austin Water Utility Taps service at 512-972-0000 to obtain a permit[1], and schedule meter setting

You meet City at the hydrant, City sets meter, you install RPZ and test it and give test report to City.

Meters w/o RPZ installed and tested will be removed.

You use water, report your meter readings, and pay your bill.

For meters installed on customer’s equipment:

You provide the equipment: water truck, water wagon, stand pipe, etc.

You call Austin Water Utility at 512-972-0000 to schedule meter setting

You bring equipment to the Meter Shop. Note: Equipment must have approved RPZ (tested and current on this equipment) or approved Air Gap.

City will install water meter. Only the City can remove the meter.

You will call Dispatch at 512-972-1000 daily to report hydrant use.

Do not leave hoses connected to fire hydrants. This is a violation of the law and hoses will be removed.